Knotzland

HISTORY

Founded in 2014 by Nisha Blackwell, Knotzland specializes in custom handmade bowties made from repurposed and reclaimed materials. Driven by her passion for the environment and reducing waste, Nisha began Knotzland to create distinctive, fashionable goods that speak to the individuality her customers. Dedicated to sourcing high-quality, salvaged materials, Knotzland issues limited edition, one-of-a-kind bow ties.

APPROACH

Every Knotzland bow tie is exclusively handcrafted. Using materials reclaimed from local businesses including the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, T’s Upholstery, Thread International, and the Pittsburgh Opera, Nisha carefully selects each fabric used to make a Knotzland bow tie. A self-taught seamstress, Nisha embraces community and workforce development. She provides on-the-job skills training to women who help produce her collection. Knotzland bow ties are sewn and assembled in Knotzland’s studio in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood.

FUTURE

As Knotzland’s continues to grow in Pittsburgh, Nisha promotes her limited edition products online, in marketplaces, and in stores. The early success of her line speaks to the demand for distinguishable, environmentally sustainable fashion. In the spring of 2017, Nisha launched a collaborative collection with fellow MONMADE producers Ashley Cecil and Modesto Studios. The assortment of bow ties featured Ashley’s artwork of botanical and endangered species, screen-printed by Modesto Studios on Thread International fabric.